Ram 68RFE Transmission: Common Problems, Lifespan & Replacement Guide
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
If you own a Ram 2500 or Ram 3500 with the 6.7L Cummins diesel, the 68RFE transmission is probably a name you've heard before—especially if your truck has started slipping, shifting hard, shuddering under load, going into limp mode, or displaying transmission trouble codes.
The 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission was introduced for 2007.5 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups equipped with the 6.7L Cummins diesel. It remained an important Ram heavy-duty transmission for years, particularly in standard-output Cummins applications.
For many owners, the 68RFE provides years of dependable service. But these trucks are also frequently used for towing, hauling, commercial work, and other demanding applications that can put substantial stress on an automatic transmission.
So how long does a 68RFE last? What problems should you watch for? And when does repairing an aging transmission stop making sense?
Here's what Ram Cummins owners should know.
What Is the 68RFE Transmission?
The 68RFE is a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission developed for heavy-duty rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive Ram truck applications.
It was designed specifically to work behind the high torque output of the 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel.
The transmission uses six forward gears and electronic controls to balance towing capability, drivability, fuel economy, and highway performance.
68RFE Gear Ratios
Gear | Ratio |
1st | 3.23:1 |
2nd | 1.83:1 |
3rd | 1.41:1 |
4th | 1.00:1 |
5th | 0.81:1 |
6th | 0.62:1 |
Reverse | 4.44:1 |
Its two overdrive gears help reduce engine RPM during highway driving, while the lower first-gear ratio helps get a heavy truck moving.
What Vehicles Use the 68RFE Transmission?
The 68RFE is primarily associated with:
Dodge Ram
2007.5–2009 Dodge Ram 2500 — 6.7L Cummins diesel
2007.5–2009 Dodge Ram 3500 — 6.7L Cummins diesel
Ram
2010–2024 Ram 2500 — 6.7L Cummins diesel
2010–2024 Ram 3500 — select 6.7L Cummins diesel applications
Not every Cummins-powered Ram uses a 68RFE. Depending on year, model and configuration, other transmissions were available.
Always verify the transmission using the VIN and vehicle information before ordering a replacement.
What Are the Most Common 68RFE Transmission Problems?
The 68RFE has several failure areas that Ram owners and transmission shops commonly encounter.
1. Valve Body Wear and Hydraulic Pressure Problems
The valve body controls transmission fluid pressure and directs hydraulic fluid to the appropriate clutch circuits.
As components wear, hydraulic pressure can become inconsistent.
Symptoms can include:
Harsh shifting
Delayed shifts
Erratic gear changes
Transmission slipping
Limp mode
Trouble codes
Pressure loss is particularly important because inadequate clutch pressure can allow clutch packs to slip, generating additional heat and accelerating internal wear.
2. Solenoid Pack Problems
The solenoid pack is responsible for electronically controlling hydraulic functions inside the transmission.
A failing solenoid pack can cause:
Erratic shifting
Delayed engagement
Harsh Drive or Reverse engagement
Incorrect gear operation
Limp mode
Check Engine Light
Some problems become more noticeable after the transmission reaches operating temperature.
3. Torque Converter Shudder or Failure
A common complaint from 68RFE owners is torque converter shudder.
You may notice:
Vibration under acceleration
Shudder while towing
RPM fluctuations at highway speed
Difficulty maintaining converter lockup
Excessive heat
A deteriorating torque converter can eventually contaminate transmission fluid with clutch material or metal debris, potentially damaging other components.
4. Overdrive Clutch Failure
The overdrive clutch assembly is another area that can suffer under demanding operating conditions.
Symptoms may include:
Slipping in higher gears
Loss of overdrive
High engine RPM at highway speed
Gear-ratio trouble codes
Limp mode
Continued driving while the clutches are slipping can rapidly increase internal damage.
5. Transmission Overheating
Heat is one of the greatest enemies of any automatic transmission.
Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks are frequently used for:
Towing campers
Pulling equipment trailers
Hauling heavy loads
Commercial work
Long-distance towing
Those conditions create additional heat.
Repeated overheating can degrade transmission fluid and accelerate clutch, seal, and internal component wear.
6. Slipping Between Gears
If the engine RPM rises without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed, the transmission may be slipping.
You may also notice:
Flare between shifts
Delayed acceleration
Poor towing performance
Trouble maintaining a gear under load
Occasional unusual shifting doesn't automatically mean the transmission needs replacement, but persistent slipping should be diagnosed quickly.
7. Limp Mode
When the transmission control system detects certain problems, it may command a limited operating mode designed to protect the drivetrain.
Drivers may suddenly notice that the truck:
Is stuck in one gear
Won't shift normally
Has reduced acceleration
Displays a Check Engine Light
Limp mode is a symptom—not a diagnosis. The underlying trouble codes should be read before deciding what needs to be repaired.
Common 68RFE Transmission Trouble Codes
Some codes frequently associated with 68RFE diagnosis include:
P0868 — Transmission Fluid Pressure Low
Can indicate insufficient transmission line pressure.
P0871 — OD Pressure Switch Rationality
Often associated with hydraulic or valve-body-related problems involving the overdrive circuit.
P0733 / P0734 / P0735 — Incorrect Gear Ratio
Can occur when the transmission detects excessive slip or the expected gear ratio isn't achieved.
P0740 / related torque-converter codes
May indicate a torque converter clutch control or lockup problem.
A trouble code alone should not be used to condemn the entire transmission. Proper diagnosis is important before purchasing a replacement.
Why Do 68RFE Transmissions Fail?
There isn't one single cause.
Failure can result from a combination of:
High mileage
Heavy towing
Excessive transmission temperatures
Hydraulic pressure loss
Valve body wear
Torque converter wear
Clutch deterioration
Poor maintenance
Contaminated transmission fluid
Increased engine power from aftermarket modifications
A stock work truck driven normally has a very different operating environment from a modified
Cummins regularly pulling a heavy trailer.
That's why the truck's actual use matters when diagnosing a 68RFE.
How Long Does a 68RFE Transmission Last?
There isn't a reliable mileage number that applies to every 68RFE.
Transmission life depends heavily on:
Maintenance history
Towing frequency
Trailer weight
Operating temperature
Driving habits
Engine modifications
Fluid condition
Previous repairs
Some 68RFEs provide high-mileage service, while heavily worked or modified trucks may experience problems much earlier.
Rather than replacing a transmission based on mileage alone, pay attention to its condition and symptoms.
Can You Keep Driving With 68RFE Transmission Problems?
That depends on the problem.
A minor electrical issue is very different from an internally slipping clutch pack.
However, continuing to drive a transmission that is slipping, overheating, shuddering severely, or losing gears can turn a repairable problem into major internal damage.
If the transmission begins acting differently—particularly while towing—have it diagnosed as soon as possible.
Should You Repair, Rebuild or Replace a 68RFE?
A complete replacement isn't necessary for every problem.
A repair may make sense when the issue is isolated to a serviceable component and the rest of the transmission remains in good condition.
Replacement becomes more attractive when there is:
Severe clutch damage
Metal contamination
Burnt transmission fluid
Multiple internal failures
Significant torque converter damage
High mileage combined with internal wear
Repeated previous repairs
At that point, installing a professionally remanufactured 68RFE transmission can provide a more predictable long-term solution than continuing to repair an extensively worn unit.
Why Choose a Remanufactured 68RFE Transmission?
There's an important difference between a used, rebuilt, and remanufactured transmission.
A used transmission comes from another vehicle with an unknown history.
A typical rebuild may concentrate primarily on repairing failed or worn components.
A professionally remanufactured transmission goes through a more comprehensive process that includes disassembly, cleaning, inspection, machining where required, replacement of worn components, reassembly, and testing.
For a truck you depend on for work, towing, or daily transportation, that added confidence matters.
Why Buy Your Remanufactured 68RFE From Eagle Engine Sales?
Eagle Engine Sales has supplied replacement engines and transmissions to customers nationwide since 1995.
We work with:
Individual truck owners
Repair shops
Dealerships
Fleet operators
Commercial customers
When you're dealing with a transmission as application-specific as the 68RFE, ordering the correct unit matters.
Our transmission specialists can use your vehicle information to help verify the proper application before your transmission ships.
Eagle Engine Sales Transmission Warranty
Our qualifying remanufactured transmissions are backed by:
3-Year / 100,000-Mile Nationwide Parts & Labor Warranty
Labor reimbursement up to $95 per hour
Optional No-Fault Warranty
Nationwide warranty coverage
Nationwide shipping
We also provide assistance with the core-return process and can help answer application questions before you place your order.
Need a Remanufactured 68RFE Transmission?
If your Ram 2500 or Ram 3500 is slipping, shuddering, losing gears, entering limp mode, or experiencing another transmission problem, don't guess at the replacement.
Eagle Engine Sales can help verify your application and provide current pricing and availability for a remanufactured 68RFE transmission.
Have your year, make, model, engine size and VIN available. Submit a quote request and our team can help determine the correct transmission for your truck.
Prefer to Talk to a Transmission Specialist?
Call Eagle Engine Sales at (800) 811-9328 for pricing, availability and application assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 68RFE
What trucks have a 68RFE transmission?
The 68RFE was primarily used in Dodge Ram and Ram 2500/3500 pickups equipped with the 6.7L Cummins diesel. Application varies by model year and configuration, so VIN verification is recommended.
Is the 68RFE a good transmission?
The 68RFE can provide dependable service in properly maintained stock trucks. Heavy towing, increased engine power, excessive heat and hydraulic pressure problems can accelerate wear.
What are the most common 68RFE problems?
Commonly discussed issues include valve-body wear, hydraulic pressure problems, solenoid-pack issues, torque-converter shudder, overdrive-clutch failure, slipping and overheating.
What does P0871 mean on a 68RFE?
P0871 relates to the overdrive pressure switch circuit/rationality. On a 68RFE, diagnosis may involve the valve body, solenoid switch valve, hydraulic pressure and related components.
Why does my 68RFE go into limp mode?
The transmission control system can enter limp mode when it detects a fault that could affect proper transmission operation. Reading the stored diagnostic codes is the first step toward determining the cause.
Should I rebuild or replace my 68RFE?
It depends on the extent of the damage. An isolated component problem may be repairable, while widespread clutch damage, metal contamination, severe internal wear or multiple failures may make a remanufactured replacement a better long-term option.
How do I know which 68RFE transmission I need?
The safest approach is to verify the transmission using the truck's year, make, model, engine, drivetrain and VIN. Eagle Engine Sales can help confirm the correct application before ordering.
Get Your Ram Back on the Road
Your Ram 2500 or 3500 is built to work. If its 68RFE transmission is no longer doing its job, Eagle Engine Sales can help you find the correct replacement.
Request a quote online or call (800) 811-9328 today for pricing and availability on a remanufactured 68RFE transmission.
Comments